Another day, another preseason distinction for a member of the Purdue football team.
Running back Devin Mockobee has found himself as a candidate for the Doak Walker Award, which is given to the nation’s top running back. He was one of 87 running backs named on the preseason watch list, which was announced this week.
Mockobee worked himself from walk on to scholarship running back with Purdue football. In two years, he has rushed for 1,779 yards and 15 trips to the end zone, while also reeling in 51 receptions for 454 yards and a touchdown.
A season ago, he rushed for 811 yards and six touchdowns. Down the stretch was when he showed his worth, as Mockobee accounted for 373 total yards and three touchdowns. If there was a negative, it was the fact Mockobee turned it over seven times.
During the offseason, Mockobee worked on his strength and the results are evident as he entered fall camp much bigger than a season ago.
“Since last season, I was playing around at 190-195. I just weighed in at 207 today. Definitely put that weight on,” he said after the first practice of the fall.
Mockobee said being a running back at 190-195 in the Big Ten didn’t help matters any.
“Getting some weight on with my speed behind me was very beneficial for me, so I am in a really good spot right now. This offseason my main thing was my weight. I wanted to keep my speed and agility with it,” Mockobee said.
Mockobee has come close to eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark in each of his first two seasons. He tallied 968 yards as a freshman in 2022 and 811 last season. While winning is the primary focus for Purdue football, the junior running back still thinks it will be unique to hit that milestone.
“To get back to a 1,000 yard rusher would be special. I’ve never been one to chase accolades because the main thing is the main thing, but it definitely would be cool. It would be a good thing for the whole program,” Mockobee said.
Purdue football opens the season Aug. 31 at home against Indiana State.
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